OnPath Energy, formerly known as Banks Renewables, has successfully finished the extension of its Kype Muir wind farm in Scotland, with the facility now operational and contributing power to the national grid.
Situated just south of Strathaven in South Lanarkshire, the Kype Muir extension boasts 15 turbines, featuring a mix of heights including four at 156 meters, three at 176 meters, and eight towering at 200 meters. This extension marks a milestone as the first project in the UK to reach such towering heights, as announced by OnPath Energy.
With a total capacity of 67.2MW, the Kype Muir extension supplements OnPath Energy's existing 26-turbine Kype Muir wind farm, bringing the combined capacity of the wind farms to over 155MW.
Gordon Thomson, projects director at OnPath Energy, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “To get over the line with this milestone project is extremely rewarding. From our team here at OnPath, to a host of skilled local contractors, everyone has put in a huge amount of hard work to get to this point as we continue to play our part in creating a just transition that is fair and inclusive for everyone. We're thrilled to be at the forefront of onshore innovation in the UK, achieving the national first.”
Thomson added, “Kype Muir extension is going to provide tens of thousands of homes with renewable energy and will have a hugely positive influence on government's net zero goals in a bid to create a cleaner, greener Scotland.”
Scottish civil engineering firm RJ McLeod, initially chosen by Banks Renewables for the construction of the first Kype Muir wind farm, was again selected as the contractor for the extension site.
The estimated lifetime regional expenditure from the original Kype Muir wind farm is projected to reach approximately £123 million. In line with OnPath Energy's commitment to supporting local businesses, local contractors were given priority during the development of the Kype Muir extension.
The Kype Muir and its extension are not only contributing to renewable energy production but are also providing significant benefits to the local community, with an annual combined contribution exceeding £770,000 available for local initiatives.
